What began as a quietly unfolding struggle has now become a life-changing intervention for the Contrillias family after social workers from the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Pag-abot Program reached out to their child who was selling sampaguita in the streets.

Myleen Contrillias, mother of the teen-age sampaguita vendor, said she was unaware that her daughter was already into street vending due to the influence of her peers or barkadas.

“Wala po kasi kaming alam non, nung ma-reach out po yung anak namin, e sumasama pala siya sa barkada niya na kaibigan niya na ang hanap-buhay ay magtinda ng sampaguita sa lansangan,” Myleen narrated.

The experience came as a shock, but it also served as a lesson—revealing the realities of street life and the dangers of becoming dependent on sympathy-driven income at a young age.

“Parang natuwa rin ako. Para malaman niya yung katotohanan na ‘di pwede sa lansangan, kailangan patas ka,” Myleen said.

According to the mother, exposure to quick cash and occasional generosity created a false sense of opportunity to her child, something that the Pag-abot intervention helped correct before it became permanent.

The Pag-abot Program is a flagship initiative of the DSWD that provides immediate protection, case management, and sustainable livelihood assistance to children and families in street situations.

“Minsan may naawa, kaya siguro nasanay. Eh may maaawa bibilhin yung sampaguita mo pero may dagdag din e. Kaya siguro doon siya nasilaw sa pera,” Myleen pointed out.

Through close monitoring, family guidance, and structured support, the Pag-abot Program helped restore discipline and safety within the household, ensuring that education once again became the child’s priority.

“Nung na reach-out na nga, okay naman na po pumapasok na siya, nauutusan na namin, mino monitor ko na po sila,” Myleen Contrillias said.

Before the intervention, financial instability was a constant burden, despite the efforts of both parents to make ends meet.

The Pag-abot Program addressed not only the child’s welfare but also the root cause of the vulnerability by extending livelihood assistance—turning a long-held dream into reality.

“Malaking blessing po kasi pangarap ko ngang magka-tindahan. Tapos natupad naman,” Myleen happily shared.

Having a small business brought consistency, dignity, and control over daily finances, which creates a clear difference between survival and stability. With a steady source of income, time and attention returned to what mattered most — nurturing children and strengthening family life.

“Iba talaga yung difference ng may negosyo kesa sa wala. Nag-focus ako sa mga bata. Hindi ko na sila naiiwan tapos hindi na nagigipit,” Myleen said.

The assistance was handled with care and responsibility, guided by the understanding that government support is meant to be sustained and nurtured.

As the holiday season approaches, hopes are centered on simple celebrations and meaningful aspirations rather than material excess.

Above all, education remains the ultimate goal and the strongest safeguard against a return to life on the streets.

“Ang number one lang talaga ay yung pag-aaral. Kasi yun lang talaga yung mapapamana namin, wala nang iba. Mag-aral lang sila ng mabuti at makatapos ng college,” the child’s mother pointed out.

“Salamat po sa Pag-abot, kasi kung wala po kayo, wala pong opportunity na ganito,” Myleen added.

The story of the Contrillias family stands as a testament to how timely reach out, responsible parenting, and support can change the direction of a child’s life—turning vulnerability into hope, and hardship into opportunity. (KI)